Photo of The Spectrum Clinic, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
The Spectrum Clinic
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Beaconsfield HP9
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
020 3667 9039 View 020 3667 9039
Photo of Tim Walker, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Tim Walker
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Beaconsfield HP9
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
01628 951201 View 01628 951201
Photo of Home Counties Therapy in Beaconsfield, England
Home Counties Therapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Beaconsfield HP9
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
01296 827049 View 01296 827049

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Constantina Markides, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Dr Constantina Markides
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
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Photo of Nicola Salisbury, Counsellor in Beaconsfield, England
Nicola Salisbury
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chesham HP5
As well as using Psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and Transactional Analysis, I'm also trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) which is a form of CBT created to teach skills to cope with, and overcome, emotional dysregulation, self harm and relationship problems.
Hello I'm Nicola, a qualified counsellor working with both adults and teenagers from all walks of life. My integrative training allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to suit your needs at the time of contacting me, whether that be to listen to your story and sit with you in your pain or work with you to make positive changes to your life... or something in between. I can offer you a safe and confidential space for you to be heard without judgement or expectation. Your presenting issues might be anxiety, depression, a relationship breakdown, a bereavement, low self-esteem, difficulty coping with change and uncertainty or more.
As well as using Psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and Transactional Analysis, I'm also trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) which is a form of CBT created to teach skills to cope with, and overcome, emotional dysregulation, self harm and relationship problems.
Hello I'm Nicola, a qualified counsellor working with both adults and teenagers from all walks of life. My integrative training allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to suit your needs at the time of contacting me, whether that be to listen to your story and sit with you in your pain or work with you to make positive changes to your life... or something in between. I can offer you a safe and confidential space for you to be heard without judgement or expectation. Your presenting issues might be anxiety, depression, a relationship breakdown, a bereavement, low self-esteem, difficulty coping with change and uncertainty or more.
01442 979679 View 01442 979679
Photo of Lee Martin, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Lee Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Peter SL9  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
01895 545169 View 01895 545169
Photo of Headstuff ADHD Therapy, Counsellor in Beaconsfield, England
Headstuff ADHD Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP13
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
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Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP14
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6246 View 020 4538 6246
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Gerrards Cross SL9  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 3984 8581 View 020 3984 8581
Photo of Kam Gillar, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Kam Gillar
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
Is there something in your life you want to change? Do you feel lost, unable to get on with your life? Are you looking to conquer a fear, break a habit, make a change in your life or simply want to manage the stresses of everyday living. Take a look at my website and make the first step in creating the positive changes you want in your life. Given the current COVID - 19 situation and also our busy lives and hectic schedules I offer confidential online therapy using Skype or Zoom. I am also seeing clients face to face both in my Reading and London locations.
Is there something in your life you want to change? Do you feel lost, unable to get on with your life? Are you looking to conquer a fear, break a habit, make a change in your life or simply want to manage the stresses of everyday living. Take a look at my website and make the first step in creating the positive changes you want in your life. Given the current COVID - 19 situation and also our busy lives and hectic schedules I offer confidential online therapy using Skype or Zoom. I am also seeing clients face to face both in my Reading and London locations.
0118 214 8648 View 0118 214 8648
Photo of Kasia Cole, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Kasia Cole
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ruislip HA4
Hi, Kasia Cole here - a practising psychotherapist and an academic for over a decade in London. I created the Balance Psychotherapy APP for those who can’t be in psychotherapy, it’s not a right time at the moment, or you are in psychotherapy and you would like to deepen your experience in-between sessions or possibly speed up your healing. It is a unique programme that developed from the need of my clients to work with affect in depth and to balance it in their every day life. This is its strength and uniqueness - it works directly with emotions! Of course - I can always meet you for sessions.
Hi, Kasia Cole here - a practising psychotherapist and an academic for over a decade in London. I created the Balance Psychotherapy APP for those who can’t be in psychotherapy, it’s not a right time at the moment, or you are in psychotherapy and you would like to deepen your experience in-between sessions or possibly speed up your healing. It is a unique programme that developed from the need of my clients to work with affect in depth and to balance it in their every day life. This is its strength and uniqueness - it works directly with emotions! Of course - I can always meet you for sessions.
020 3984 9152 View 020 3984 9152
Photo of Bogdan Micu, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Bogdan Micu
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Rickmansworth WD3
Welcome - I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Rickmansworth, Hackney (London) and online. I use an integrative and transpersonal approach. I hope you find here what you are looking for. -Experience and Background- Following my undergraduate degree in psychology, I trained and formed as a psychotherapist for five years at the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in London. I have been practicing since 2015, collaborating with a number of charities, and currently working in private practice.
Welcome - I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Rickmansworth, Hackney (London) and online. I use an integrative and transpersonal approach. I hope you find here what you are looking for. -Experience and Background- Following my undergraduate degree in psychology, I trained and formed as a psychotherapist for five years at the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in London. I have been practicing since 2015, collaborating with a number of charities, and currently working in private practice.
01923 961546 View 01923 961546
Photo of Adriana Coelho, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Adriana Coelho
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Watford WD18
01923 961626 View 01923 961626

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Diane Rodin Mba, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Dr Diane Rodin Mba
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
London SW11
As an integrative practitioner, I am engaging, insightful, curious, respectful, and able to design an individualised treatment that suits your needs. I practice CBT, EMDR, DBT, psychodynamic and integrative therapy. My 12-year clinical experience includes both the private mental health and the NHS, working both in individual and couples therapy. Previously, I had an executive corporate career at Microsoft UK and an MBA from INSEAD. I specialise in working with a spectrum of psychological issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, PTSD, low mood, low self-esteem, addiction, burnout, divorce and relationship issues.
As an integrative practitioner, I am engaging, insightful, curious, respectful, and able to design an individualised treatment that suits your needs. I practice CBT, EMDR, DBT, psychodynamic and integrative therapy. My 12-year clinical experience includes both the private mental health and the NHS, working both in individual and couples therapy. Previously, I had an executive corporate career at Microsoft UK and an MBA from INSEAD. I specialise in working with a spectrum of psychological issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, PTSD, low mood, low self-esteem, addiction, burnout, divorce and relationship issues.
020 4538 1936 View 020 4538 1936
Photo of Dr Clarabella Gray, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Dr Clarabella Gray
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wokingham RG41
I am experienced in a number of therapies, including Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Therapy.
I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of reasons and know this can feel daunting for many. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. This provides the trust and safety to address difficulties and work towards change. I value the individuality of each person I work with. I use this to explore how your life history and personal circumstances have influenced ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. I can support you to identify your goals for therapy and enhance your strengths to achieve these.
I am experienced in a number of therapies, including Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Therapy.
I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of reasons and know this can feel daunting for many. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. This provides the trust and safety to address difficulties and work towards change. I value the individuality of each person I work with. I use this to explore how your life history and personal circumstances have influenced ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. I can support you to identify your goals for therapy and enhance your strengths to achieve these.
0118 230 8558 View 0118 230 8558
Photo of Shakeera Price, Counsellor in Beaconsfield, England
Shakeera Price
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B74
My work is informed by Cognitive behavioural theory, person centred theory, dialectical behavioural therapy and attachment theory.
Well done for taking the first step to accessing support and alleviating some of the distress you are feeling. This is very often the hardest step and almost always the most daunting one but I hope that reading my profile encourages you to take the next step and begin your therapeutic journey. I have over 14 years experience in helping adults and young people to overcome anxiety, build self- esteem and confidence, fight depression and low mood and achieve healthy relationships. I specialise in working with people who experience intense or overwhelming emotions that can act as an obstacle to them living the life they want to live.
My work is informed by Cognitive behavioural theory, person centred theory, dialectical behavioural therapy and attachment theory.
Well done for taking the first step to accessing support and alleviating some of the distress you are feeling. This is very often the hardest step and almost always the most daunting one but I hope that reading my profile encourages you to take the next step and begin your therapeutic journey. I have over 14 years experience in helping adults and young people to overcome anxiety, build self- esteem and confidence, fight depression and low mood and achieve healthy relationships. I specialise in working with people who experience intense or overwhelming emotions that can act as an obstacle to them living the life they want to live.
07449 518383 View 07449 518383
Photo of Michelle Lam, Counsellor in Beaconsfield, England
Michelle Lam
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W13
I can offer sessions which incorporates DBT, Person Centred and a Psychodynamic approach.
I specialise in working with personality disorders EUPD, young people, exam stress, trauma, pstd, bereavement, sexual abuse, generalised anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, low-self esteem, depression, stress, existential crisis, self harm, life transitions, sex and relationships and familial conflicts. I adapt my practise to each individual's needs and can provide (DBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping with distress tolerance and interpersonal relationships. I will work with you to help gain a better understanding of the cause of these issues and find ways to move forward.
I can offer sessions which incorporates DBT, Person Centred and a Psychodynamic approach.
I specialise in working with personality disorders EUPD, young people, exam stress, trauma, pstd, bereavement, sexual abuse, generalised anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, low-self esteem, depression, stress, existential crisis, self harm, life transitions, sex and relationships and familial conflicts. I adapt my practise to each individual's needs and can provide (DBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping with distress tolerance and interpersonal relationships. I will work with you to help gain a better understanding of the cause of these issues and find ways to move forward.
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Photo of Dr Anita K Sudan, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Dr Anita K Sudan
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE7
I have experience working with young people and adults and I use a range of psychological therapies including DBT, CFT, EMDR.
Life is full of events, relationships, stresses and strains and all these impact on us in many different ways. It can affect all the important things to us such as school, work, relationships and our own perception of ourselves. This can be tiring and overwhelming. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way and I believe strongly that a person can benefit from having a space to discuss their feelings and develop ideas and strategies to improve their emotional wellbeing.
I have experience working with young people and adults and I use a range of psychological therapies including DBT, CFT, EMDR.
Life is full of events, relationships, stresses and strains and all these impact on us in many different ways. It can affect all the important things to us such as school, work, relationships and our own perception of ourselves. This can be tiring and overwhelming. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way and I believe strongly that a person can benefit from having a space to discuss their feelings and develop ideas and strategies to improve their emotional wellbeing.
0116 497 6798 View 0116 497 6798
Photo of Bettina Salzmann, Psychotherapist in Beaconsfield, England
Bettina Salzmann
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW14
I have worked with individuals presenting with anxiety, General anxiety disorders, depression, stress,OCD, panic attacks, phobias, trauma, PTSD,childhood abuse, domestic violence, autism, agraphobia,bereavement,loss,sudden/ traumatic death,relationship issues,suicide,addiction, eating disorders, bipolar and personality disorder using DBT amongst others.
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
I have worked with individuals presenting with anxiety, General anxiety disorders, depression, stress,OCD, panic attacks, phobias, trauma, PTSD,childhood abuse, domestic violence, autism, agraphobia,bereavement,loss,sudden/ traumatic death,relationship issues,suicide,addiction, eating disorders, bipolar and personality disorder using DBT amongst others.
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
01748 900742 View 01748 900742
Photo of Attuned Psychology and Psychiatry, Psychologist in Beaconsfield, England
Attuned Psychology and Psychiatry
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London E18
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in a national specialist CAMHS trauma service. My work within this team, specialist inpatient and outpatient CAMHS, as well as in adult mental health services, has given me experience in supporting adults, children, and young people with severe and complex mental health difficulties. Through my training I have developed high-level knowledge of the theory and practice of both CBT including CFT, ACT, DBT and trauma-focussed CBT, and systemic approaches. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in a national specialist CAMHS trauma service. My work within this team, specialist inpatient and outpatient CAMHS, as well as in adult mental health services, has given me experience in supporting adults, children, and young people with severe and complex mental health difficulties. Through my training I have developed high-level knowledge of the theory and practice of both CBT including CFT, ACT, DBT and trauma-focussed CBT, and systemic approaches. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
020 3828 7637 View 020 3828 7637

See more therapy options for Beaconsfield

Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counsellors

Who is DBT for?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?

The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?

Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?

Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.